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OpinionCounty wrong to condemn landTo the editor: As a directly affected land owner, we want to voice our opposition to the recent resolution by the Chisago County Commissioners to acquire property for a bike trail through the process of condemning private land. Fifty years ago when the railroad closed, individual land owners had the right to purchase the railroad right of way. Our family purchased the part that dissected through the center of our property so that we could incorporate it into our farm. We have been paying taxes on and farming this land ever since. Our great-great-grandfather Mobeck (who Mobeck street in Center City is named after) settled this land and the surrounding area of Center City. Now, a small group of bike enthusiasts, under the direction of Parks Director Laird Mork, is lobbying the Commissioners and civic groups to infringe on individual land ownersí rights to promote the special interests of a select few. We recognize the needs of the community are changing. We could support acquiring land to build schools, roads, public utilities, or projects that benefit the entire community. However, a bike trail would only benefit a select few, and its use does not justify the disruption of farms and individual use of private property. Our livelihood depends on our ability to move equipment and livestock across our fields and pastures. A bike path running through the middle of our property would not allow us to continue farming. We believe it is wrong to take away one individualís land and livelihood for the recreational benefit of a select few. In August we met with Parks Director Laird Mork to outline our concerns and offer alternative routes for the trail around our property. Commissioner Walker was also invited, but did not attend and listen to our position. We donít believe that the majority of Chisago County citizens support violating individual property ownersí rights for questionable government projects like a bike trail. We also believe that most citizens donít want their tax dollars used to build and maintain special interest projects. We ask that others who support land ownersí rights make their opposition known to the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. Richard and Darelyne Gustafson ©ECM Post Review |